Fan

Art Historical Context

This exquisite fan, crafted in America between 1880 and 1889, exemplifies the opulent accessories of the Gilded Age a time of rapid industrialization and lavish social display. Made from ivory, silk, mother-of-l, and metal, it features delicate floral motifs—roses and other blooms—that evoke the Victorian era's fascination with nature's beauty as a symbol of refinement and femininity. The luxurious materials, likely including carved ivory guards, shimmering mother-of-pearl inlays, and painted silk leaves, highlight the skilled handcraftsmanship of anonymous artisans who catered to the elite. ...